Opinions of Sunday, 18 January 2015

Columnist: Adofo, Rockson

Asantehene is Panicking over the Unfolding Events in Kumawu

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, like the biblical Saul, is about to fall on his own sword, even though he has developed an impregnable skin. Like a long rope fallen into an unwitty hand, it has not taken him long to make a noose to hang himself. His lies, vainglory, and deceitful claims to be invested with powers which indeed he is not entitled to, have now become his worst nightmares. His assertions to possessing such powers are completely false. Kumawu's case is a litmus test of his falsely acclaimed unquestionable exercise of overlordship in Asanteman; he, able to do whatever crosses his mind with impunity.

From my recent publications, I announced to the public how Kumawuhemaa, Nana Serwaah Amponsah, rejected some traditional drinks presented to her on the death of Kumawu Kontrihene, Nana Peprah Koduah IV. The presentation of the drinks to her was to officially inform her of the death of Kumawu Kontrihene. This is in line with Ashanti custom and usage.

She rejected the drinks saying, she never knew Kumawu had a Kontrihene who has just passed. She said she does not know of any Kontrihene. Now, in the wake of Kumawuman public and some discerning Kumawuman elders enstooling a true royal from the matrilineal lineage of Barimah Tweneboah Koduah I, the originator of the Kumawu Koduah Stool, as their new Omanhene, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asanteman Council and Kumawuhemaa are now panicking.

Asantehene through his emissaries is now in contact with the family/relatives of the late Kontrihene. He is making frantic arrangements to have the family at his Manhyia palace. He is going to plead with them on behalf of Kumawuhemaa and Dr Yaw Sarfo, the supposed Kumawuhene he has illegally imposed on Kumawuman, to pardon that absurd and irresponsible behaviour by the queen towards them – rejecting the drinks.

Asantehene is scared that the family may turn to the rival chief (Barimah Tweneboah Koduah V) from the Ananangya royal family, inviting him to attend the late Kontrihene's funeral. His presence will accord the deceased Kontrihene some traditional honours. However, Asantehene is desperately working around the clock to prevent such a thing happening. He fears if it does happen, it will give official recognition to Barimah Tweneboah Koduah V, the God's own appointed chief for Kumawu following the incessant supplications made to Him by the poor and suffering Kumawuman masses.

Whatever are the initiatives and schemes being taken or hatched by Asantehene, Kumawuhemaa and their supporters, they will never work to their advantage. They will keep on making unpardonable mistakes. This goes to tell their kingdoms are on the verge of collapse.

It will only be wise for Kontrihene's family to snub him. They should not kowtow to him. He has not respected himself by not respecting the people of Kumawuman so he must not be respected. Respect is earned but not commanded.

Is Nana Afua Kobi, Asantehemaa, aware of how Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (Kwaku Duah in private life) has been trying hard to twist Kumawu history to serve his selfish greedy interests? If she knows, is she supportive of him? Or, Asantehene does not listen to her because she is not his real mum? I know Kwaku Duah's (Otumfuo Osei Tutu II) real mum's name is Maame Saah, now Nana Saah.

I know this for sure because Nana Afuah Kobi was married to Op. Kwasi Kobi, the eldest son of Op. Yaw Forson from Kumawu. This is just by the way.

It has been planned by Kumawuhemaa and her supporters to start some violence in Kumawu on Sunday 18 January 2015, during the "Akwasidee" celebrations. They plan to blame Barimah Tweneboah Koduah V and his supporters for starting it. This will justify any reciprocal punitive measures to be taken against them by the police. Should this be the brainchild of Asantehene, then I will say he has failed in advance.

Should the police act in any biased and irresponsible manner; I am afraid the consequences will be dire for all. I have some international bodies keenly watching how things unfold ever since I notified them about how Asantehene has been capricious in the determination of the Kumawu chieftaincy dispute.

Asantehene will not be allowed to dupe Kumawuman; he had better get it clear into his head. He has no business doing in Kumawu. His suspicious meddling in Kumawu affairs on request by Kumawuhemaa, with an intention to rob Kumawuman in broad daylight will not materialise - God willing.

Every plan of theirs that I become aware of shall be placed in the public domain.

I shall be in the studio of Sources radio FM online today, Friday 16 January 2015 to discuss the Kumawu chieftaincy dispute. I hope listeners will volunteer their contributions to highlight the daily abuse of power by Asantehene. He cannot play with Kumawuman similarly as he used to play tricks in the United Kingdom and Canada.

Who are the advisors to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II? Are they asleep on the oars while Asantehene, like a ship, drifts aground? He cannot win this fight he has engaged himself in. As once said by Dr James London, the Ankaase self-appointed spokesman for Barimah Sarfo Tweneboah Koduah, "Does Asantehene think Kumawu is his backyard where he can proceed to defecate after overfeeding himself in Kumasi and feeling that compulsive urge to attend to nature's call?"

The wise people are resolutely determined to resist him at every turn of his trickery.

More grease to the elbows of the newly enstooled chief from the Ananangya royal family, Barimah Tweneboah Koduah V. I support him 100%.

My condolences to the bereaved Kumawu Kontrihene's family

Rockson Adofo